‘The farm is a brilliant place to bring up a family’

“The farm is an absolutely brilliant place to bring up a family”, That’s according to Lally family from Westport Co. Mayo which features in Teagasc‘s series of online videos highlighting the importance of family farms in Ireland.

“The kids have benefited brilliantly. I think kids that grow up on a farm see everything from the womb to the tomb. They have been really been the winners here. There is a future for the family farm. But it would have to be supplemented by an income from some other source. I would love to see one of the kids here take it over because they will be the fifth generation.”

Given the critical role of the family farm in Ireland, Teagasc as part of its activities to mark the International Year of the Family Farm, Teagasc are producing a series of online videos, featuring farming families in different parts of the country, looking at the role of the family and their contribution to farming throughout the year.

2014 is the UN Food and Agriculture ‘Year of the Family Farm’. Around the world, during this year, the profile of family farming and smallholders is being raised by focusing attention on its significant role in providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development.